At the June 13, 2012 City Council meeting, city traffic engineers proposed adding 23 new stop signs and one yield sign to the Old Escondido Historic District but not one of the two dozen signs addresses Old Escondido’s most dangerous street. Juniper currently allows heavy and fast-moving commuter traffic to blast through the heart of the Old Escondido Neighborhood, resulting in all-too frequent collisions that cause devastating injuries and damage to vehicles and historic properties. The amount of traffic, unimpeded, is likely to increase with time, resulting in even more serious consequences. To not address the growing dangers of Juniper Street is not consistent with Article 65 Section 33-1370(c) of the Municipal Code, which states that the purpose and intent of the historic district is “To emphasize orientation towards pedestrian activities in the area.”

At the June 13 meeting, the City Council voted unanimously to install the staff-recommended stop signs but stipulated that the City traffic engineers revisit Juniper Street. Traffic engineers are now suggesting the possible installation of a traffic signal at 9th and Juniper but the timing is likely to be set to allow the greatest flow of north-south traffic and would most probably encourage drivers to speed up for yellow lights, potentially making the traffic problems even worse.

We, whose signatures follow, out of concern for vehicle occupants, pedestrians, bicyclists, and families living in homes on Juniper St., hereby petition the City of Escondido to improve quality of life and provide a safer environment by installing four-way stop signs on Juniper at 9th Avenue at the very least and/or to utilize other legitimate traffic calming methods such as round-abouts along Juniper St. in Old Escondido without delay.

At the June 13, 2012 City Council meeting, city traffic engineers proposed adding 23 new stop signs and one yield sign to the Old Escondido Historic District but not one of the two dozen signs addresses Old Escondido’s most dangerous street. Juniper currently allows heavy and fast-moving commuter traffic to blast through the heart of the Old Escondido Neighborhood, resulting in all-too frequent collisions that cause devastating injuries and damage to vehicles and historic properties. The amount of traffic, unimpeded, is likely to increase with time, resulting in even more serious consequences. To not address the growing dangers of Juniper Street is not consistent with Article 65 Section 33-1370(c) of the Municipal Code, which states that the purpose and intent of the historic district is “To emphasize orientation towards pedestrian activities in the area.”

At the June 13 meeting, the City Council voted unanimously to install the staff-recommended stop signs but stipulated that the City traffic engineers revisit Juniper Street. Traffic engineers are now suggesting the possible installation of a traffic signal at 9th and Juniper but the timing is likely to be set to allow the greatest flow of north-south traffic and would most probably encourage drivers to speed up for yellow lights, potentially making the traffic problems even worse.

We, whose signatures follow, out of concern for vehicle occupants, pedestrians, bicyclists, and families living in homes on Juniper St., hereby petition the City of Escondido to improve quality of life and provide a safer environment by installing four-way stop signs on Juniper at 9th Avenue at the very least and/or to utilize other legitimate traffic calming methods such as round-abouts along Juniper St. in Old Escondido without delay.